Julius Caesar, holding the election as dictator, was himself appointed
consul with Publius Servilius; for this was the year in which it was permitted
by the laws that he should be chosen consul. This business being ended,
as credit was beginning to fail in Italy, and the debts could not be paid,
he determined that arbitrators should be appointed: and that they should
make an estimate of the possessions and properties [of the debtors], how
much they were worth before the war, and that they should be handed over
in payment to the creditors. This he thought the most likely method to
remove and abate the apprehension of an abolition of debt, the usual consequence
of civil wars and dissensions, and to support the credit of the debtors.
He likewise restored to their former condition (the praetors and tribunes,
first submitting the question to the people) some persons condemned for
bribery at the elections, by virtue of Pompey's law, at the time when Pompey
kept his legions quartered in the city (these trials were finished in a
single day, one judge hearing the merits, and another pronouncing the sentences),
because they had offered their service to him in the beginning of the civil
war, if he chose to accept them; setting the same value on them as if he
had accepted them, because they had put themselves in his power. For he
had determined that they ought to be restored rather by the judgment of
the people than appear admitted to it by his bounty: that he might neither
appear ungrateful in repaying an obligation, nor arrogant in depriving
the people of their prerogative of exercising this bounty.

Chapter 2

In accomplishing these things, and celebrating the Latin festival,
and holding all the elections, he spent eleven days; and having resigned
the dictatorship, set out from the city, and went to Brundusium, where
he had ordered twelve legions and all his cavalry to meet him. But he scarcely
found as many ships as would be sufficient to transport fifteen thousand
legionary soldiers and five hundred horse. This [the scarcity of shipping]
was the only thing that prevented Caesar from putting a speedy conclusion
to the war. And even these troops embarked very short of their number,
because several had fallen in so many wars in Gaul, and the long march
from Spain had lessened their number very much, and a severe autumn in
Apulia and the district about Brundusium, after the very wholesome countries
of Spain and Gaul, had impaired the health of the whole
army.

Chapter 3

Pompey having got a year's respite to provide forces, during which
he was not engaged in war, nor employed by an enemy, had collected a numerous
fleet from Asia, and the Cyclades, from Corcyra, Athens, Pontus, Bithynia,
Syria, Cilicia, Phoenicia, and Egypt, and had given directions that a great
number should be built in every other place. He had exacted a large sum
of money from Asia, Syria, and all the kings, dynasts, tetrarchs, and free
states of Achaia; and had obliged the corporations of those provinces,
of which he himself had the government, to count down to him a large
sum.

Chapter 4

He had made up nine legions of Roman citizens; five from Italy,
which he had brought with him; one veteran legion from Sicily, which being
composed of two he called the Gemella; one from Crete and Macedonia, of
veterans who had been discharged by their former generals and had settled
in those provinces; two from Asia, which had been levied by the activity
of Lentulus. Besides, he had distributed among his legions a considerable
number, by way of recruits, from Thessaly, Boeotia, Achaia, and Epirus:
with his legions he also intermixed the soldiers taken from Caius Antonius.
Besides these, he expected two legions from Syria, with Scipio; from Crete,
Lacedaemon, Pontus, Syria, and other states, he got about three thousand
archers, six cohorts of slingers, two thousand mercenary soldiers, and
seven thousand horse; six hundred of which, Deiotarus had brought from
Gaul; Ariobarzanes, five hundred from Cappadocia. Cotus had given him about
the same number from Thrace, and had sent his son Sadalis with them. From
Macedonia there were two hundred, of extraordinary valor, commanded by
Rascipolis; five hundred Gauls and Germans; Gabinius's troops from Alexandria,
whom Aulus Gabinius had left with king Ptolemy, to guard his person. Pompey,
the son, had brought in his fleet eight hundred, whom he had raised among
his own and his shepherds' slaves. Tarcundarius, Castor and Donilaus, had
given three hundred from Gallograecia: one of these came himself, the other
sent his son. Two hundred were sent from Syria by Comagenus Antiochus,
whom Pompey rewarded amply. The most of them were archers. To these were
added Dardanians and Bessians, some of them mercenaries; others procured
by power and influence: also, Macedonians, Thessalians, and troops from
other nations and states, which completed the number which we mentioned
before.

Chapter 5

He had laid in vast quantities of corn from Thessaly, Asia, Egypt,
Crete, Cyrene, and other countries. He had resolved to fix his winter quarters
at Dyrrachium, Apollonia, and the other seaports, to hinder Caesar from
passing the sea: and for this purpose had stationed his fleet along the
sea-coast. The Egyptian fleet was commanded by Pompey, the son: the Asiatic,
by Decimus Laelius, and Caius Triarius: the Syrian, by Caius Cassius: the
Rhodian, by Caius Marcellus, in conjunction with Caius Coponius: and the
Liburnian and Achaian, by Scribonius Libo, and Marcus Octavius. But Marcus
Bibulus was appointed commander-in-chief of the whole maritime department,
and regulated every matter. The chief direction rested upon
him.

Chapter 6

When Caesar came to Brundusium, he made a speech to the soldiers:
"That since they were now almost arrived at the termination of their toils
and dangers, they should patiently submit to leave their slaves and baggage
in Italy, and to embark without luggage, that a greater number of men might
be put on board: that they might expect every thing from victory and his
liberality." They cried out with one voice, "he might give what orders
he pleased, that they would cheerfully fulfill them." He accordingly set
sail the fourth day of January, with seven legions on board, as already
remarked. The next day he reached land, between the Ceraunian rocks and
other dangerous places; meeting with a safe road for his shipping to ride
in, and dreading all other ports which he imagined were in possession of
the enemy, he landed his men at a place called Pharsalus, without the loss
of a single vessel.

Chapter 7

Lucretius Vespillo and Minutius Rufus were at Oricum, with eighteen
Asiatic ships, which were given into their charge by the orders of Decimus
Laelius: Marcus Bibulus at Corcyra, with a hundred and ten ships. But they
had not the confidence to dare to move out of the harbor; though Caesar
had brought only twelve ships as a convoy, only four of which had decks;
nor did Bibulus, his fleet being disordered and his seamen dispersed, come
up in time: for Caesar was seen at the continent, before any account whatsoever
of his approach had reached those regions.

Chapter 8

Caesar, having landed his soldiers, sent back his ships the same
night to Brundusium, to transport the rest of his legions and cavalry.
The charge of this business was committed to lieutenant Fufius Kalenus,
with orders to be expeditious in transporting the legions. But the ships
having put to sea too late, and not having taken advantage of the night
breeze, fell a sacrifice on their return. For Bibulus at Corcyra, being
informed of Caesar's approach, hoped to fall in with some part of our ships,
with their cargoes, but found them empty; and having taken about thirty,
vented on them his rage at his own remissness, and set them all on fire:
and, with the same flames, he destroyed the mariners and masters of the
vessels, hoping by the severity of the punishment to deter the rest. Having
accomplished this affair, he filled all the harbors and shores from Salona
to Oricum with his fleets. Having disposed his guard with great care, he
lay on board himself in the depth of winter, declining no fatigue or duty,
and not waiting for reinforcements, in hopes that he might come within
Caesar's reach.

Chapter 9

But after the departure Of the Liburnian fleet, Marcus Octavius
sailed from Illyricum with what ships he had to Salona, and having spirited
up the Dalmatians, and other barbarous nations, he drew Issa off from its
connection with Caesar; but not being able to prevail with the council
of Salona, either by promises or menaces, he resolved to storm the town.
But it was well fortified by its natural situation and a hill. The Roman
citizens built wooden towers, the better to secure it; but when they were
unable to resist, on account of the smallness of their numbers, being weakened
by several wounds, they stooped to the last resource, and set at liberty
all the slaves old enough to bear arms; and cutting the hair off the women's
heads, made ropes for their engines. Octavius, being informed of their
determination, surrounded the town with five encampments, and began to
press them at once with a siege and storm. They were determined to endure
every hardship, and their greatest distress was the want of corn. They,
therefore, sent deputies to Caesar, and begged a supply from him; all other
inconveniences they bore by their own resources, as well as they could:
and after a long interval, when the length of the siege had made Octavius's
troops more remiss than usual, having got an opportunity at noon, when
the enemy were dispersed, they disposed their wives and children on the
walls, to keep up the appearance of their usual attention; and forming
themselves into one body, with the slaves whom they had lately enfranchised,
they made an attack on Octavius's nearest camp, and having forced that,
attacked the second with the same fury; and then the third and the fourth,
and then the other, and beat them from them all: and having killed a great
number, obliged the rest and Octavius himself to fly for refuge to their
ships. This put an end to the blockade. Winter was now approaching, and
Octavius, despairing of capturing the town, after sustaining such considerable
losses, withdrew to Pompey, to Dyrrachium.

Chapter 10

We have mentioned, that Vibullius Rufus, an officer of Pompey's
had fallen twice into Caesar's power; first at Corfinium, and afterward
in Spain. Caesar thought him a proper person, on account of his favors
conferred on him, to send with proposals to Pompey: and he knew that he
had an influence over Pompey. This was the substance of his proposals:
"That it was the duty of both, to put an end to their obstinacy, and forbear
hostilities, and not tempt fortune any further; that sufficient loss had
been suffered on both sides, to serve as a lesson and instruction to them,
to render them apprehensive of future calamities, by Pompey, in having
been driven out of Italy, and having lost Sicily, Cardinia, and the two
Spains, and one hundred and thirty cohorts of Roman citizens, in Italy
and Spain: by himself, in the death of Curio, and the loss of so great
an army in Africa, and the surrender of his soldiers in Corcyra. Wherefore,
they should have pity on themselves, and the republic: for, from their
own misfortunes, they had sufficient experience of what fortune can effect
in war. That this was the only time to treat for peace; when each had confidence
in his own strength, and both seemed on an equal footing. Since, if fortune
showed ever so little favor to either, he who thought himself superior,
would not submit to terms of accommodation; nor would be content with an
equal division, when he might expect to obtain the whole. That as they
could not agree before, the terms of peace ought to be submitted to the
senate and people in Rome. That in the mean time, it ought to content the
republic and themselves, if they both immediately took oath in a public
assembly that they would disband their forces within the three following
days. That having divested themselves of the arms and auxiliaries, on which
they placed their present confidence, they must both of necessity acquiesce
in the decision of the people and senate. To give Pompey the fuller assurance
of his intentions, he would dismiss all his forces on the land, even his
garrisons.

Chapter 11

Vibullius, having received this commission from Caesar, thought
it no less necessary to give Pompey notice of Caesar's sudden approach,
that he might adopt such plans as the circumstance required, than to inform
him of Caesar's message; and therefore continuing his journey by night
as well as by day, and taking fresh horses for dispatch, he posted away
to Pompey, to inform him that Caesar was marching toward him with all his
forces. Pompey was at this time in Candavia, and was on his march from
Macedonia to his winter quarters in Apollonia and Dyrrachium; but surprised
at the unexpected news, he determined to go to Apollonia by speedy marches,
to prevent Caesar from becoming master of all the maritime states. But
as soon as Caesar had landed his troops, he set off the same day for Oricum:
when he arrived there, Lucius Torquatus, who was governor of the town by
Pompey's appointment, and had a garrison of Parthinians in it, endeavored
to shut the gates and defend the town, and ordered the Greeks to man the
walls, and to take arms. But as they refused to fight against the power
of the Roman people, and as the citizens made a spontaneous attempt to
admit Caesar, despairing of any assistance, he threw open the gates, and
surrendered himself and the town to Caesar, and was preserved safe from
injury by him.

Chapter 12

Having taken Oricum, Caesar marched without making any delay to
Apollonia. Staberius the governor, hearing of his approach, began to bring
water into the citadel, and to fortify it, and to demand hostages of the
town's people. But they refuse to give any, or to shut their gates against
the consul, or to take upon them to judge contrary to what all Italy and
the Roman people had judged. As soon as he knew their inclinations, he
made his escape privately. The inhabitants of Apollonia sent embassadors
to Caesar, and gave him admission into their town. Their example was followed
by the inhabitants of Bullis, Amantia, and the other neighboring states,
and all Epirus: and they sent embassadors to Caesar, and promised to obey
his commands.

Chapter 13

But Pompey having received information of the transactions at Oricum
and Apollonia, began to be alarmed for Dyrrachium, and endeavored to reach
it, marching day and night. As soon as it was said that Caesar was approaching,
such a panic fell upon Pompey's army, because in his haste he had made
no distinction between night and day, and had marched without intermission,
that they almost every man deserted their colors in Epirus and the neighboring
countries; several threw down their arms, and their march had the appearance
of a flight. But when Pompey had halted near Dyrrachium, and had given
orders for measuring out the ground for his camp, his army even yet continuing
in their fright, Labienus first stepped forward and swore that he would
never desert him, and would share whatever fate fortune should assign to
him. The other lieutenants took the same oath, and the tribunes and centurions
followed their example: and the whole army swore in like manner. Caesar,
finding the road to Dyrrachium already in the possession of Pompey, was
in no great haste, but encamped by the river Apsus, in the territory of
Apollonia, that the states which had deserved his support might be certain
of protection from his out-guards and forts; and there he resolved to wait
the arrival of his other legions from Italy, and to winter in tents. Pompey
did the same; and pitching his camp on the other side of the river Apsus,
collected there all his troops and auxiliaries.

Chapter 14

Kalenus, having put the legions and cavalry on board at Brundusium,
as Caesar had directed him, as far as the number of his ships allowed,
weighed anchor: and having sailed a little distance from port, received
a letter from Caesar, in which he was informed, that all the ports and
the whole shore was occupied by the enemy's fleet: on receiving this information
he returned into the harbor, and recalled all the vessels. One of them,
which continued the voyage and did not obey Kalenus's command, because
it carried no troops, but was private property, bore away for Oricum, and
was taken by Bibulus, who spared neither slaves nor free men, nor even
children; but put all to the sword. Thus the safety of the whole army depended
on a very short space of time and a great casualty.

Chapter 15

Bibulus, as has been observed before, lay with his fleet near Oricum,
and as he debarred Caesar of the liberty of the sea and harbors, so he
was deprived of all intercourse with the country by land; for the whole
shore was occupied by parties disposed in different places by Caesar. And
he was not allowed to get either wood or water, or even anchor near the
land. He was reduced to great difficulties, and distressed with extreme
scarcity of every necessary; insomuch that he was obliged to bring, in
transports from Corcyra, not only provisions, but even wood and water;
and it once happened that, meeting with violent storms, they were forced
to catch the dew by night which fell on the hides that covered their decks;
yet all these difficulties they bore patiently and without repining, and
thought they ought not to leave the shores and harbors free from blockade.
But when they were suffering under the distress which I have mentioned,
and Libo had joined Bibulus, they both called from on ship-board, to Marcus
Acilius and Statius Marcus, the lieutenants, one of whom commanded the
town, the other the guards on the coast, that they wished to speak to Caesar
on affairs of importance, if permission should be granted them. They add
something further to strengthen the impression that they intended to treat
about an accommodation. In the mean time they requested a truce, and obtained
it from them; for what they proposed seemed to be of importance, and it
was well known that Caesar desired it above all things, and it was imagined
that some advantage would be derived from Bibulus's
proposals.

Chapter 16

Caesar having set out with one legion to gain possession of the
more remote states, and to provide corn, of which he had but a small quantity,
was at this time at Buthrotum, opposite to Corcyra. There receiving Acilius
and Marcus's letters, informing him of Libo's and Bibulus's demands, he
left his legion behind him, and returned himself to Oricum. When he arrived,
they were invited to a conference. Libo came and made an apology for Bibulus,
"that he was a man of strong passion, and had a private quarrel against
Caesar, contracted when he was aedile and praetor; that for this reason
he had avoided the conference, lest affairs of the utmost importance and
advantage might be impeded by the warmth of his temper. That it now was
and ever had been Pompey's most earnest wish, that they should be reconciled
and lay down their arms, but they were not authorized to treat on that
subject, because they resigned the whole management of the war, and all
other matters to Pompey, by order of the council. But when they were acquainted
with Caesar's demands, they would transmit them to Pompey, who would conclude
all of himself by their persuasions. In the mean time, let the truce be
continued till the messengers could return from him; and let no injury
be done on either side." To this he added a few words of the cause for
which they fought, and of his own forces and resources.

Chapter 17

To this, Caesar did not then think proper to make any reply, nor
do we now think it worth recording. But Caesar required "that he should
be allowed to send commissioners to Pompey, who should suffer no personal
injury; and that either they should grant it, or should take his commissioners
in charge, and convey them to Pompey. That as to the truce, the war in
its present state was so divided, that they by their fleet deprived him
of his shipping and auxiliaries; while he prevented them from the use of
the land and fresh water; and if they wished that this restraint should
be removed from them, they should relinquish their blockade of the seas,
but if they retained the one, he in like manner would retain the other;
that nevertheless, the treaty of accommodation might still be carried on,
though these points were not conceded, and that they need not be an impediment
to it." They would neither receive Caesar's commissioners, nor guarantee
their safety, but referred the whole to Pompey. They urged and struggled
eagerly to gain the one point respecting a truce. But when Caesar perceived
that they had proposed the conference merely to avoid present danger and
distress, but that they offered no hopes or terms of peace, he applied
his thoughts to the prosecution of the war.

Chapter 18

Bibulus, being prevented from landing for several days, and being
seized with a violent distemper from the cold and fatigue, as he could
neither be cured on board, nor was willing to desert the charge which he
had taken upon him, was unable to bear up against the violence of the disease.
On his death, the sole command devolved on no single individual, but each
admiral managed his own division separately, and at his own discretion.
Vibullius, as soon as the alarm, which Caesar's unexpected arrival had
raised, was over, began again to deliver Caesar's message in the presence
of Libo, Lucius Lucceius, and Theophanes, to whom Pompey used to communicate
his most confidential secrets. He had scarcely entered on the subject when
Pompey interrupted him, and forbade him to proceed. "What need," says he,
"have I of life or Rome, if the world shall think I enjoy them by the bounty
of Caesar: an opinion which can never be removed while it shall be thought
that I have been brought back by him to Italy, from which I set out." After
the conclusion of the war, Caesar was informed of these expressions by
some persons who were present at the conversation. He attempted, however,
by other means to bring about a negotiation of peace.

Chapter 19

Between Pompey's and Caesar's camp there was only the river Apsus,
and the soldiers frequently conversed with each other; and by a private
arrangement among themselves, no weapons were thrown during their conferences.
Caesar sent Publius Vatinius, one of his lieutenants, to the bank of the
river, to make such proposals as should appear most conducive to peace;
and to cry out frequently with a loud voice [asking], "Are citizens permitted
to send deputies to citizens to treat of peace? a concession which had
been made even to fugitives on the Pyrenean mountains, and to robbers,
especially when by so doing they would prevent citizens from fighting against
citizens." Having spoken much in humble language, as became a man pleading
for his own and the general safety and being listened to with silence by
the soldiers of both armies, he received an answer from the enemy's party
that Aulus Varro proposed coming the next day to a conference, and that
deputies from both sides might come without danger, and explain their wishes,
and accordingly a fixed time was appointed for the interview. When the
deputies met the next day, a great multitude from both sides assembled,
and the expectations of every person concerning this subject were raised
very high, and their minds seemed to be eagerly disposed for peace. Titus
Labienus walked forward from the crowd, and in submissive terms began to
speak of peace, and to argue with Vatinius. But their conversation was
suddenly interrupted by darts thrown from all sides, from which Vatinius
escaped by being protected by the arms of the soldiers. However, several
were wounded; and among them Cornelius Balbus, Marcus Plotius, and Lucius
Tiburtius, centurions, and some privates; hereupon Labienus exclaimed,
"Forbear, then, to speak any more about an accommodation, for we can have
no peace unless we carry Caesar's head back with us."

Chapter 20

At the same time in Rome, Marcus Caelius Rufus, one of the praetors,
having undertaken the cause of the debtors, on entering into his office,
fixed his tribunal near the bench of Caius Trebonius, the city praetor,
and promised if any person appealed to him in regard to the valuation and
payment of debts made by arbitration, as appointed by Caesar when in Rome,
that he would relieve them. But it happened, from the justice of Trebonius's
decrees and his humanity (for he thought that in such dangerous times justice
should be administered with moderation and compassion), that not one could
be found who would offer himself the first to lodge an appeal. For to plead
poverty, to complain of his own private calamities, or the general distresses
of the times, or to assert the difficulty of setting the goods to sale,
is the behavior of a man even of a moderate temper; but to retain their
possessions entire, and at the same time acknowledge themselves in debt,
what sort of spirit, and what impudence would it not have argued! Therefore
nobody was found so unreasonable as to make such demands. But Caelius proved
more severe to those very persons for whose advantage it had been designed;
and starting from this beginning, in order that he might not appear to
have engaged in so dishonorable an affair without effecting something,
he promulgated a law that all debts should be discharged in six equal payments,
of six months each, without interest.

Chapter 21

When Servilius, the consul, and the other magistrates opposed him,
and he himself effected less than he expected, in order to raise the passions
of the people, he dropped it, and promulgated two others; one, by which
he remitted the annual rents of the houses to the tenants, the other, an
act of insolvency: upon which the mob made an assault on Caius Trebonius,
and having wounded several persons, drove him from his tribunal. The consul
Servilius informed the senate of his proceedings, who passed a decree that
Caelius should be removed from the management of the republic. Upon this
decree, the consul forbade him the senate; and when he was attempting to
harangue the people, turned him out of the rostrum. Stung with the ignominy
and with resentment, he pretended in public that he would go to Caesar,
but privately sent messengers to Milo, who had murdered Clodius, and had
been condemned for it; and having invited him into Italy, because he had
engaged the remains of the gladiators to his interest, by making them ample
presents, he joined him, and sent him to Thurinum to tamper with the shepherds.
When he himself was on his road to Casilinum, at the same time that his
military standards and arms were seized at Capua, his slaves seen at Naples,
and the design of betraying the town discovered: his plots being revealed,
and Capua shut against him, being apprehensive of danger, because the Roman
citizens residing there had armed themselves, and thought he ought to be
treated as an enemy to the state, he abandoned his first design, and changed
his route.

Chapter 22

Milo in the mean time dispatched letters to the free towns, purporting
that he acted as he did by the orders and commands of Pompey, conveyed
to him by Bibulus: and he endeavored to engage in his interest all persons
whom he imagined were under difficulties by reason of their debts. But
not being able to prevail with them, he set at liberty some slaves from
the work-houses, and began to assault Cosa in the district of Thurinum.
There having received a blow of a stone thrown from the wall of the town
which was commanded by Quintus Pedius with one legion, he died of it; and
Caelius having set out, as he pretended for Caesar, went to Thurii, where
he was put to death as he was tampering with some of the freemen of the
town, and was offering money to Caesar's Gallic and Spanish horse, which
he had sent there to strengthen the garrison. And thus these mighty beginnings,
which had embroiled Italy, and kept the magistrates employed, found a speedy
and happy issue.

Chapter 23

Libo having sailed from Oricum, with a fleet of fifty ships, which
he commanded, came to Brundusium, and seized an island, which lies opposite
to the harbor; judging it better to guard that place, which was our only
pass to sea, than to keep all the shores and ports blocked up by a fleet.
By his sudden arrival, he fell in with some of our transports, and set
them on fire, and carried off one laden with corn; he struck great terror
into our men, and having in the night landed a party of soldiers and archers,
he beat our guard of horse from their station, and gained so much by the
advantage of situation, that he dispatched letters to Pompey, and if he
pleased he might order the rest of the ships to be hauled upon shore and
repaired; for that with his own fleet he could prevent Caesar from receiving
his auxiliaries.

Chapter 24

Antonius was at this time at Brundusium, and relying on the valor
of his troops, covered about sixty of the long-boats belonging to the men-of-war
with penthouses and bulwarks of hurdles, and put on board them select soldiers;
and disposed them separately along the shore: and under the pretext of
keeping the seamen in exercise, he ordered two three-banked galleys, which
he had built at Brundusium, to row to the mouth of the port. When Libo
saw them advancing boldly toward him, he sent five four-banked galleys
against them, in hopes of intercepting them. When these came near our ships,
our veteran soldiers retreated within the harbor. The enemy, urged by their
eagerness to capture them, pursued them unguardedly: for instantly the
boats of Antonius, on a certain signal, rowed with great violence from
all parts against the enemy; and at the first charge took one of the four-banked
galleys, with the seamen and marines, and forced the rest to flee disgracefully.
In addition to this loss, they were prevented from getting water by the
horse which Antonius had disposed along the sea-coast. Libo, vexed at the
distress and disgrace, departed from Brundusium, and abandoned the
blockade.

Chapter 25

Several months had now elapsed, and winter was almost gone, and
Caesar's legions and shipping were not coming to him from Brundusium, and
he imagined that some opportunities had been neglected, for the winds had
at least been often favorable, and he thought that he must trust to them
at last. And the longer it was deferred, the more eager were those who
commanded Pompey's fleet to guard the coast, and were more confident of
preventing our getting assistance: they received frequent reproofs from
Pompey by letter, that as they had not prevented Caesar's arrival at the
first, they should at least stop the remainder of his army: and they were
expecting that the season for transporting troops, would become more unfavorable
every day, as the winds grew calmer. Caesar, feeling some trouble on this
account, wrote in severe terms to his officers at Brundusium, [and gave
them orders] that as soon as they found the wind to answer, they should
not let the opportunity of setting sail pass by, if they were even to steer
their course to the shore of Apollonia: because there they might run their
ships on ground. That these parts principally were left unguarded by the
enemy's fleet, because they dare not venture too far from the
harbor.

Chapter 26

They [his officers], exerting boldness and courage, aided by the
instructions of Marcus Antonius, and Fusius Kalenus, and animated by the
soldiers strongly encouraging them, and declining no danger for Caesar's
safety, having got a southerly wind, weighed anchor, and the next day were
carried past Apollonia and Dyrrachium, and being seen from the continent,
Quintus Coponius, who commanded the Rhodian fleet at Dyrrachium, put out
of the port with his ships; and when they had almost come up with us, in
consequence of the breeze dying away, the south wind sprang up afresh,
and rescued us. However, he did not desist from his attempt, but hoped
by the labor and perseverance of his seamen to be able to bear up against
the violence of the storm; and although we were carried beyond Dyrrachium,
by the violence of the wind, he nevertheless continued to chase us. Our
men, taking advantage of fortune's kindness, for they were still afraid
of being attacked by the enemy's fleet, if the wind abated, having come
near a port, called Nymphaeum, about three miles beyond Lissus, put into
it (this port is protected from a south-west wind, but is not secure against
a south wind); and thought less danger was to be apprehended from the storm
than from the enemy. But as soon as they were within the port, the south
wind, which had blown for two days, by extraordinary good luck veered round
to the south-west.

Chapter 27

Here one might observe the sudden turns of fortune. We who, a moment
before, were alarmed for ourselves, were safely lodged in a very secure
harbor: and they who had threatened ruin to our fleet, were forced to be
uneasy on their own account: and thus, by a change of circumstances, the
storm protected our ships, and damaged the Rhodian fleet to such a degree
that all their decked ships, sixteen in number, foundered, without exception,
and were wrecked: and of the prodigious number of seamen and soldiers,
some lost their lives by being dashed against the rocks, others were taken
by our men: but Caesar sent them all safe home.

Chapter 28

Two of our ships, that had not kept up with the rest, being overtaken
by the night, and not knowing what port the rest had made to, came to an
anchor opposite Lissus. Otacilius Crassus, who commanded Pompey's fleet,
detached after them several barges and small craft, and attempted to take
them. At the same time, he treated with them about capitulating, and promised
them their lives if they would surrender. One of them carried two hundred
and twenty recruits, the other was manned with somewhat less than two hundred
veterans. Here it might be seen what security men derive from a resolute
spirit. For the recruits, frightened at the number of vessels, and fatigued
with the rolling of the sea, and with sea-sickness, surrendered to Otacilius,
after having first received his oath, that the enemy would not injure them;
but as soon as they were brought before him, contrary to the obligation
of his oath, they were inhumanly put to death in his presence. But the
soldiers of the veteran legion, who had also struggled, not only with the
inclemency of the weather, but by laboring at the pump, thought it their
duty to remit nothing of their former valor: and having protracted the
beginning of the night in settling the terms, under pretense of surrendering,
they obliged the pilot to run the ship aground: and having got a convenient
place on the shore, they spent the rest of the night there, and at day-break,
when Otacilius had sent against them a party of the horse, who guarded
that part of the coast, to the number of four hundred, beside some armed
men, who had followed them from the garrison, they made a brave defense,
and having killed some of them, retreated in safety to our
army.

Chapter 29

After this action, the Roman citizens, who resided at Lissus, a
town which Caesar had before assigned them, and had carefully fortified,
received Antony into their town, and gave him every assistance. Otacilius,
apprehensive for his own safety, escaped out of the town, and went to Pompey.
All his forces, whose number amounted to three veteran legions, and one
of recruits, and about eight hundred horse being landed, Antony sent most
of his ships back to Italy, to transport the remainder of the soldiers
and horse. The pontons, which are a sort of Gallic ships, he left at Lissus
with this object, that if Pompey, imagining Italy defenseless, should transport
his army thither (and this notion was spread among the common people),
Caesar might have some means of pursuing him; and he sent messengers to
him with great dispatch, to inform him in what part of the country he had
landed his army, and what number of troops he had brought over with
him.

Chapter 30

Caesar and Pompey received this intelligence almost at the same
time; for they had seen the ships sail past Apollonia and Dyrrachium. They
directed their march after them by land; but at first they were ignorant
to what part they had been carried; but when they were informed of it,
they each adopted a different plan; Caesar, to form a junction with Antonius
as soon as possible; Pompey, to oppose Antonius's forces on their march
to Caesar, and, if possible, to fall upon them unexpectedly from ambush.
And the same day they both led out their armies from their winter encampment
along the river Apsus; Pompey, privately by night; Caesar, openly by day.
But Caesar had to march a longer circuit up the river to find a ford. Pompey's
route being easy, because he was not obliged to cross the river, he advanced
rapidly and by forced marches against Antonius, and being informed of his
approach, chose a convenient situation, where he posted his forces; and
kept his men close within camp, and forbade fires to be kindled, that his
arrival might be the more secret. An account of this was immediately carried
to Antonius by the Greeks. He dispatched messengers to Caesar, and confined
himself in his camp for one day. The next day Caesar, came up with him.
On learning his arrival, Pompey, to prevent his being hemmed in between
two armies, quitted his position, and went with all his forces to Asparagium,
in the territory of Dyrrachium, and there encamped in a convenient
situation.

Chapter 31

During these times, Scipio, though he had sustained some losses
near mount Amanus, had assumed to himself the title of imperator, after
which he demanded large sums of money from the states and princes. He had
also exacted from the tax-gatherers, two years' rents that they owed; and
enjoined them to lend him the amount of the next year, and demanded a supply
of horse from the whole province. When they were collected, leaving behind
him his neighboring enemies, the Parthians (who shortly before had killed
Marcus Crassus, the imperator, and had kept Marcus Bibulus besieged), he
drew his legions and cavalry out of Syria; and when he came into the province,
which was under great anxiety and fear of the Parthian war, and heard some
declarations of the soldiers, "That they would march against an enemy,
if he would lead them on; but would never bear arms against a countryman
and consul;" he drew off his legions to winter quarters to Pergamus, and
the most wealthy cities, and made them rich presents: and in order to attach
them more firmly to his interest, permitted them to plunder the
cities.

Chapter 32

In the mean time, the money which had been demanded from the province
at large, was most vigorously exacted. Besides, many new imposts of different
kinds were devised to gratify his avarice. A tax of so much a head was
laid on every slave and child. Columns, doors, corn, soldiers, sailors,
arms, engines, and carriages, were made subject to a duty. Wherever a name
could be found for any thing, it was deemed a sufficient reason for levying
money on it. Officers were appointed to collect it, not only in the cities,
but in almost every village and fort: and whosoever of them acted with
the greatest rigor and inhumanity, was esteemed the best man, and best
citizen. The province was overrun with bailiffs and officers, and crowded
with overseers and tax-gatherers; who, besides the duties imposed, exacted
a gratuity for themselves; for they asserted, that being expelled from
their own homes and countries, they stood in need of every necessary; endeavoring
by a plausible pretense, to color the most infamous conduct. To this was
added the most exorbitant interest, as usually happens in times of war;
the whole sums being called in, on which occasion, they alleged that the
delay of a single day was a donation. Therefore, in those two years, the
debt of the province was doubled: but notwithstanding, taxes were exacted,
not only from the Roman citizens, but from every corporation and every
state. And they said that these were loans, exacted by the senate's decree.
The taxes of the ensuing year were demanded beforehand as a loan from the
collectors, as on their first appointment.

Chapter 33

Moreover, Scipio ordered the money formerly lodged in the temple
of Diana at Ephesus, to be taken out with the statues of that goddess,
which remained there. When Scipio came to the temple, letters were delivered
to him from Pompey, in the presence of several senators, whom he had called
upon to attend him; [informing him] that Caesar had crossed the sea with
his legions; that Scipio should hasten to him with his army, and postpone
all other business. As soon as he received the letter, he dismissed his
attendants, and began to prepare for his journey to Macedonia; and a few
days after set out. This circumstance saved the money at
Ephesus.

Chapter 34

Caesar, having effected a junction with Antonius's army, and having
drawn his legion out of Oricum, which he had left there to guard the coast,
thought he ought to sound the inclination of the provinces, and march further
into the country; and when embassadors came to him from Thessaly and Aetolia,
to engage that the states in those countries would obey his orders, if
he sent a garrison to protect them, he dispatched Lucius Cassius Longinus,
with the twenty-seventh, a legion composed of young soldiers, and two hundred
horse, to Thessaly: and Caius Calvisius Sabinus, with five cohorts, and
a small party of horse, into Aetolia. He recommended them to be especially
careful to provide corn, because those regions were nearest to him. He
ordered Cneius Domitius Calvinus to march into Macedonia with two legions,
the eleventh and twelfth, and five hundred horse; from which province,
Menedemus, the principal man of those regions, on that side which is called
the Free, having come as embassador, assured him of the most devoted affection
of all his subjects.

Chapter 35

Of these Calvisius, on his first arrival in Aetolia, being very
kindly received, dislodged the enemy's garrisons in Calydon and Naupactus,
and made himself master of the whole country. Cassius went to Thessaly
with his legion. As there were two factions there, he, found the citizens
divided in their inclinations. Hegasaretus, a man of established power,
favored Pompey's interest. Petreius, a young man of a most noble family,
warmly supported Caesar with his own and his friends'
influence.

Chapter 36

At the same time, Domitius arrived in Macedonia: and when numerous
embassies had begun to wait on him from many of the states, news was brought
that Scipio was approaching with his legions, which occasioned various
opinions and reports; for in strange events, rumor generally goes before.
Without making any delay in any part of Macedonia, he marched with great
haste against Domitius; and when he was come within about twenty miles
of him, wheeled on a sudden toward Cassius Longinus in Thessaly. He effected
this with such celerity, that news of his march and arrival came together;
for to render his march expeditious, he left the baggage of his legions
behind him at the river Haliacmon, which divides Macedonia from Thessaly,
under the care of Marcus Favonius, with a guard of eight cohorts, and ordered
him to build a strong fort there. At the same time, Cotus's cavalry, which
used to infest the neighborhood of Macedonia, flew to attack Cassius's
camp, at which Cassius being alarmed, and having received information of
Scipio's approach, and seen the horse, which he imagined to be Scipio's,
he betook himself to the mountains that environ Thessaly, and thence began
to make his route toward Ambracia. But when Scipio was hastening to pursue
him, dispatches overtook him from Favonius, that Domitius was marching
against him with his legions, and that he could not maintain the garrison
over which he was appointed, without Scipio's assistance. On receipt of
these dispatches, Scipio changed his designs and his route, desisted from
his pursuit of Cassius, and hastened to relieve Favonius. Accordingly,
continuing his march day and night, he came to him so opportunely, that
the dust raised by Domitius's army, and Scipio's advanced guard, were observed
at the same instant. Thus, the vigilance of Domitius saved Cassius, and
the expedition of Scipio, Favonius.

Chapter 37

Scipio, having staid for two days in his camp, along the river
Haliacmon, which ran between him and Domitius's camp, on the third day,
at dawn, led his army across a ford, and having made a regular encampment
the day following, drew up his forces in front of his camp. Domitius thought
he ought not to show any reluctance, but should draw out his forces and
hazard a battle. But as there was a plain six miles in breadth between
the two camps, he posted his army before Scipio's camp; while the latter
persevered in not quitting his intrenchment. However, Domitius with difficulty
restrained his men, and prevented their beginning a battle; the more so
as a rivulet with steep banks, joining Scipio's camp, retarded the progress
of our men. When Scipio perceived the eagerness and alacrity of our troops
to engage, suspecting that he should be obliged the next day, either to
fight, against his inclination, or to incur great disgrace by keeping within
his camp, though he had come with high expectation, yet by advancing rashly,
made a shameful end; and at night crossed the river, without even giving
the signal for breaking up the camp, and returned to the ground from which
he came, and there encamped near the river, on an elevated situation. After
a few days, he placed a party of horse in ambush in the night, where our
men had usually gone to forage for several days before. And when Quintus
Varus, commander of Domitius's horse, came there as usual, they suddenly
rushed from their ambush. But our men bravely supported their charge, and
returned quickly every man to his own rank, and in their turn, made a general
charge on the enemy; and having killed about eighty of them, and put the
rest to flight, retreated to their camp with the loss of only two
men.

Chapter 38

After these transactions, Domitius, hoping to allure Scipio to
a battle, pretended to be obliged to change his position through want of
corn, and having given the signal for decamping, advanced about three miles,
and posted his army and cavalry in a convenient place, concealed from the
enemy's view. Scipio being in readiness to pursue him, detached his cavalry
and a considerable number of light infantry to explore Domitius's route.
When they had marched a short way, and their foremost troops were within
reach of our ambush, their suspicions being raised by the neighing of the
horses, they began to retreat: and the rest who followed them, observing
with what speed they retreated, made a halt. Our men, perceiving that the
enemy had discovered their plot, and thinking it in vain to wait for any
more, having got two troops in their power, intercepted them. Among them
was Marcus Opimius, general of the horse, but he made his escape: they
either killed or took prisoners all the rest of these two troops, and brought
them to Domitius.

Chapter 39

Caesar, having drawn his garrisons out of the sea-ports, as before
mentioned, left three cohorts at Oricum to protect the town, and committed
to them the charge of his ships of war, which he had transported from Italy.
Acilius, as lieutenant-general, had the charge of this duty and the command
of the town; he drew the ships into the inner part of the harbor, behind
the town, and fastened them to the shore, and sank a merchant-ship in the
mouth of the harbor to block it up; and near it he fixed another at anchor,
on which he raised a turret, and faced it to the entrance of the port,
and filled it with soldiers, and ordered them to keep guard against any
sudden attack.

Chapter 40

Cneius, Pompey's son, who commanded the Egyptian fleet, having
got intelligence of these things, came to Oricum, and weighed up the ship,
that had been sunk, with a windlass, and by straining at it with several
ropes, and attacked the other which had been placed by Acilius to watch
the port with several ships, on which he had raised very high turrets,
so that fighting as it were from an eminence, and sending fresh men constantly
to relieve the fatigued, and at the same time attempting the town on all
sides by land, with ladders and his fleet, in order to divide the force
of his enemies, he overpowered our men by fatigue, and the immense number
of darts, and took the ship, having beat off the men that were put on board
to defend it, who, however, made their escape in small boats; and at the,
same time he seized a natural mole on the opposite side, which almost formed
an island over against the town. He carried over land, into the inner part
of the harbor, four galleys, by putting rollers under them, and driving
them on with levers. Then attacking on both sides the ships of war which
were moored to the shore, and were not manned, he carried off four of them,
and set the rest on fire. After dispatching this business, he left Decimus
Laelius, whom he had taken away from the command of the Asiatic fleet,
to hinder provisions from being brought into the town from Biblis and Amantia,
and went himself to Lissus, where he attacked thirty merchantmen, left
within the port by Antonius, and set them on fire. He attempted to storm
Lissus, but being delayed three days by the vigorous defense of the Roman
citizens who belonged to that district, and of the soldiers which Caesar
had sent to keep garrison there, and having lost a few men in the assault,
he returned without effecting his object.

Chapter 41

As soon as Caesar heard that Pompey was at Asparagium, he set out
for that place with his army, and having taken the capital of the Parthinians
on his march, where there was a garrison of Pompey's, he reached Pompey
in Macedonia, on the third day, and encamped beside him; and the day following
having drawn out all his forces before his camp, he offered Pompey battle.
But perceiving that he kept within his trenches, he led his army back to
his camp, and thought of pursuing some other plan. Accordingly, the day
following, he set out with all his forces by a long circuit, through a
difficult and narrow road to Dyrrachium; hoping, either that Pompey would
be compelled to follow him to Dyrrachium, or that his communication with
it might be cut off, because he had deposited there all his provisions
and material of war. And so it happened; for Pompey, at first not knowing
his design, because he imagined he had taken a route in a different direction
from that country, thought that the scarcity of provisions had obliged
him to shift his quarters; but having afterward got true intelligence from
his scouts, he decamped the day following, hoping to prevent him by taking
a shorter road; which Caesar suspecting might happen, encouraged his troops
to submit cheerfully to the fatigue, and having halted a very small part
of the night, he arrived early in the morning at Dyrrachium, when the van
of Pompey's army was visible at a distance, and there he
encamped.

Chapter 42

Pompey, being cut off from Dyrrachium, as he was unable to effect
his purpose, took a new resolution, and intrenched himself strongly on
a rising ground, which is called Petra, where ships of a small size can
come in, and be sheltered from some winds. Here he ordered a part of his
men of war to attend him, and corn and provisions to be brought from Asia,
and from all the countries of which he kept possession. Caesar, imagining
that the war would be protracted to too great a length, and despairing
of his convoys from Italy, because all the coasts were guarded with great
diligence by Pompey's adherents; and because his own fleets, which he had
built during the winter, in Sicily, Gaul, and Italy, were detained; sent
Lucius Canuleius into Epirus to procure corn; and because these countries
were too remote, he fixed granaries in certain places, and regulated the
carriage of the corn for the neighboring states. He likewise gave directions
that search should be made for whatever corn was in Lissus, the country
of the Parthini, and all the places of strength. The quantity was very
small, both from the nature of the land (for the country is rough and mountainous,
and the people commonly import what grain they use); and because Pompey
had foreseen what would happen, and some days before had plundered the
Parthini, and having ravaged and dug up their houses, carried off all the
corn, which he collected by means of his horse.

Chapter 43

Caesar, on being informed of these transactions, pursued measures
suggested by the nature of the country. For round Pompey's camps there
were several high and rough hills. These he first of all occupied with
guards, and raised strong forts on them. Then drawing a fortification from
one fort to another, as the nature of each position allowed, he began to
draw a line of circumvallation round Pompey, with these views; as he had
but a small quantity of corn, and Pompey was strong in cavalry, that he
might furnish his army with corn and other necessaries from all sides with
less danger; secondly, to prevent Pompey from foraging, and thereby render
his horse ineffectual in the operations of the war; and thirdly, to lessen
his reputation, on which he saw he depended greatly, among foreign nations,
when a report should have spread throughout the world that he was blockaded
by Caesar, and dare not hazard a battle.

Chapter 44

Neither was Pompey willing to leave the sea and Dyrrachium, because
he had lodged his material there, his weapons, arms, and engines; and supplied
his army with corn from it by his ships; nor was he able to put a stop
to Caesar's works without hazarding a battle, which at that time he had
determined not to do. Nothing was left but to adopt the last resource,
namely, to possess himself of as many hills as he could, and cover as great
an extent of country as possible with his troops, and divide Caesar's forces
as much as possible; and so it happened: for having raised twenty-four
forts, and taken in a compass of fifteen miles, he got forage in this space,
and within this circuit there were several fields lately sown, in which
the cattle might feed in the mean time. And as our men, who had completed
their works by drawing lines of communication from one fort to another,
were afraid that Pompey's men would sally out from some part, and attack
us in the rear; so the enemy were making a continued fortification in a
circuit within ours to prevent us from breaking in on any side, or surrounding
them on the rear. But they completed their works first; both because they
had a greater number of men, and because they had a smaller compass to
inclose. When Caesar attempted to gain any place, though Pompey had resolved
not to oppose him with his whole force, or to come to a general engagement,
yet he detached to particular places slingers and archers, with which his
army abounded, and several of our men were wounded, and filled with great
dread of the arrows; and almost all the soldiers made coats or coverings
for themselves of hair cloths, tarpaulins, or raw hides to defend them
against the weapons.

Chapter 45

In seizing the posts, each exerted his utmost power. Caesar, to
confine Pompey within as narrow a compass as possible; Pompey, to occupy
as many hills as he could in as large a circuit as possible, and several
skirmishes were fought in consequence of it. In one of these, when Caesar's
ninth legion had gained a certain post, and had begun to fortify it, Pompey
possessed himself of a hill near to and opposite the same place, and endeavored
to annoy the men while at work; and as the approach on one side was almost
level, he first surrounded it with archers and slingers, and afterward
by detaching a strong party of light infantry, and using his engines, he
stopped our works; and it was no easy matter for our men at once to defend
themselves, and to proceed with their fortifications. When Caesar perceived
that his troops were wounded from all sides, he determined to retreat and
give up the post; his retreat was down a precipice, on which account they
pushed on with more spirit, and would not allow us to retire, because they
imagined that we resigned the place through fear. It is reported that Pompey
said that day in triumph to his friends about him, "That he would consent
to be accounted a general of no experience, if Caesar's legions effected
a retreat without considerable loss from that ground into which they had
rashly advanced."

Chapter 46

Caesar, being uneasy about the retreat of his soldiers, ordered
hurdles to be carried to the further side of the hill, and to be placed
opposite to the enemy, and behind them a trench of a moderate breadth to
be sunk by his soldiers under shelter of the hurdles; and the ground to
be made as difficult as possible. He himself disposed slingers in convenient
places to cover our men in their retreat. These things being completed,
he ordered his legions to file off: Pompey's men insultingly and boldly
pursued and chased us, leveling the hurdles that were thrown up in the
front of our works, in order to pass over the trench. Which as soon as
Caesar perceived, being afraid that his men would appear not to retreat,
but to be repulsed, and that greater loss might be sustained, when his
men were almost half way down the hill, he encouraged them by Antonius,
who commanded that legion, ordered the signal of battle to be sounded,
and a charge to be made on the enemy. The soldiers of the ninth legion
suddenly closing their files, threw their javelins, and advancing impetuously
from the low ground up the steep, drove Pompey's men precipitately before
them, and obliged them to turn their backs; but their retreat was greatly
impeded by the hurdles that lay in a long line before them, and the palisadoes
which were in their way, and the trenches that were sunk. But our men being
contented to retreat without injury, having killed several of the enemy,
and lost but five of their own, very quietly retired, and having seized
some other hills somewhat on this side of that place, completed their
fortifications.

Chapter 47

This method of conducting a war was new and unusual, as well on
account of the number of forts, the extent and greatness of the works,
and the manner of attack and defense, as on account of other circumstances.
For all who have attempted to besiege any person, have attacked the enemy
when they were frightened or weak, or after a defeat; or have been kept
in fear of some attack, when they themselves have had a superior force
both of foot and horse. Besides, the usual design of a siege is to cut
off the enemy's supplies. On the contrary, Caesar, with an inferior force,
was inclosing troops sound and unhurt, and who had abundance of all things.
For there arrived every day a prodigious number of ships, which brought
them provisions: nor could the wind blow from any point, that would not
be favorable to some of them. Whereas, Caesar, having consumed all the
corn far and near, was in very great distress, but his soldiers bore all
with uncommon patience. For they remembered that they lay under the same
difficulties last year in Spain, and yet by labor and patience had concluded
a dangerous war. They recollected too that they had suffered an alarming
scarcity at Alesia, and a much greater at Avaricum, and yet had returned
victorious over mighty nations. They refused neither barley nor pulse when
offered them, and they held in great esteem cattle, of which they got great
quantities from Epirus.

Chapter 48

There was a sort of root called chara, discovered by the troops
which served under Valerius. This they mixed up with milk, and it greatly
contributed to relieve their want. They made it into a sort of bread. They
had great plenty of it; loaves made of this, when Pompey's men upbraided
ours with want, they frequently threw among them to damp their
hopes.

Chapter 49

The corn was now beginning to ripen, and their hope supported their
want, as they were confident of having abundance in a short time. And there
were frequently heard declarations of the soldiers on guard, in discourse
with each other, that they would rather live on the bark of the trees,
than let Pompey escape from their hands. For they were often told by deserters,
that they could scarcely maintain their horses, and that their other cattle
was dead: that they themselves were not in good health from their confinement
within so narrow a compass, from the noisome smell, the number of carcasses,
and the constant fatigue to them, being men unaccustomed to work, and laboring
under a great want of water. For Caesar had either turned the course of
all the rivers and streams which ran to the sea, or had dammed them up
with strong works. And as the country was mountainous, and the valleys
narrow at the bottom, he inclosed them with piles sunk in the ground, and
heaped up mold against them to keep in the water. They were therefore obliged
to search for low and marshy grounds, and to sink wells, and they had this
labor in addition to their daily works. And even these springs were at
a considerable distance from some of their posts, and soon dried up with
the heat. But Caesar's army enjoyed perfect health and abundance of water,
and had plenty of all sorts of provisions except corn; and they had a prospect
of better times approaching, and saw greater hopes laid before them by
the ripening of the grain.

Chapter 50

In this new kind of war, new methods of managing it were invented
by both generals. Pompey's men, perceiving by our fires at night, at what
part of the works our cohorts were on guard, coming silently upon them
discharged their arrows at random among the whole multitude, and instantly
retired to their camp; as a remedy against which our men were taught by
experience to light their fires in one place, and keep guard in another.Note:
The translator felt that some of the original text was missing at this
point.

Chapter 51

In the mean time, Publius Sylla, whom Caesar at his departure had
left governor of his camp, came up with two legions to assist the cohort;
upon whose arrival Pompey's forces were easily repulsed. Nor did they stand
the sight and charge of our men, and the foremost falling, the rest turned
their backs and quitted the field. But Sylla called our men in from the
pursuit, lest their ardor should carry them too far, but most people imagine
that if he had consented to a vigorous pursuit, the war might have been
ended that day. His conduct however does not appear to deserve censure;
for the duties of a lieutenant-general, and of a commander-in-chief, are
very different; the one is bound to act entirely according to his instructions,
the other to regulate his conduct without control, as occasion requires.
Sylla, being deputed by Caesar to take care of the camp, and having rescued
his men, was satisfied with that, and did not desire to hazard a battle
(although this circumstance might probably have had a successful issue),
that he might not be thought to have assumed the part of the general. One
circumstance laid the Pompeians under great difficulty in making good a
retreat: for they had advanced from disadvantageous ground, and were posted
on the top of a hill. If they attempted to retire down the steep, they
dreaded the pursuit of our men from the rising ground, and there was but
a short time till sunset: for in hopes of completing the business, they
had protracted the battle almost till night. Taking therefore measures
suited to their exigency, and to the shortness of the time, Pompey possessed
himself of an eminence, at such a distance from our fort that no weapon
discharged from an engine could reach him. Here he took up a position,
and fortified it, and kept all his forces there.

Chapter 52

At the same time, there were engagements in two other places; for
Pompey had attacked several forts at once, in order to divide our forces;
that no relief might be sent from the neighboring posts. In one place,
Volcatius Tullus sustained the charge of a legion with three cohorts, and
beat them off the field. In another, the Germans, having sallied over our
fortifications, slew several of the enemy, and retreated safe to our
camp.

Chapter 53

Thus six engagements having happened in one day, three at Dyrrachium,
and three at the fortifications, when a computation was made of the number
of slain, we found that about two thousand fell on Pompey's side, several
of them volunteer veterans and centurions. Among them was Valerius, the
son of Lucius Flaccus, who as praetor had formerly had the government of
Asia, and six military standards were taken. Of our men, not more than
twenty were missing in all the action. But in the fort, not a single soldier
escaped without a wound; and in one cohort, four centurions lost their
eyes. And being desirous to produce testimony of the fatigue they under
went, and the danger they sustained, they counted to Caesar about thirty
thousand arrows which had been thrown into the fort; and in the shield
of the centurion Scaeva, which was brought to him, were found two hundred
and thirty holes. In reward for this man's services, both to himself and
the public, Caesar presented to him two hundred thousand pieces of copper
money, and declared him promoted from the eighth to the first centurion.
For it appeared that the fort had been in a great measure saved by his
exertions; and he afterward very amply rewarded the cohorts with double
pay, corn, clothing, and other military honors.

Chapter 54

Pompey, having made great additions to his works in the night,
the following days built turrets, and having carried his works fifteen
feet high, faced that part of his camp with mantelets; and after an interval
of five days, taking advantage of a second cloudy night, he barricaded
all the gates of his camp to hinder a pursuit, and about midnight, quietly
marched off his army, and retreated to his old fortifications.

Chapter 55

Aetolia, Acarnania, and Amphilochis, being reduced, as we have
related, by Cassius Longinus, and Calvisius Sabinus, Caesar thought he
ought to attempt the conquest of Achaia, and to advance further into the
country. Accordingly, he detached Fufius thither, and ordered Quintus Sabinus
and Cassius to join him with their cohorts. Upon notice of their approach,
Rutilius Lupus, who commanded in Achaia, under Pompey, began to fortify
the Isthmus, to prevent Fufius from coming into Achaia. Kalenus recovered
Delphi, Thebes, and Orchomenus, by a voluntary submission of those states.
Some he subdued by force, the rest he endeavored to win over to Caesar's
interest, by sending deputies round to them. In these things, principally,
Fusius was employed.

Chapter 56

Every day afterward, Caesar drew up his army on a level ground,
and offered Pompey battle, and led his legions almost close to Pompey's
camp; and his front line was at no greater distance from the rampart than
that no weapon from their engines could reach it. But Pompey, to save his
credit and reputation with the world, drew out his legions, but so close
to his camp, that his rear line might touch the rampart, and that his whole
army, when drawn up, might be protected by the darts discharged from
it.

Chapter 57

While these things were going forward in Achaia and at Dyrrachium,
and when it was certainly known that Scipio was arrived in Macedonia, Caesar,
never losing sight of his first intention, sends Clodius to him, an intimate
friend to both, whom Caesar, on the introduction and recommendation of
Pompey, had admitted into the number of his acquaintance. To this man he
gave letters and instructions to Pompey, the substance of which was as
follows: "That he had made every effort toward peace, and imputed the ill
success of those efforts to the fault of those whom he had employed to
conduct those negotiations; because they were afraid to carry his proposals
to Pompey at an improper time. That Scipio had such authority, that he
could not only freely explain what conduct met his approbation, but even
in some degree enforce his advice, and govern him [Pompey] if he persisted
in error; that he commanded an army independent of Pompey, so that besides
his authority, he had strength to compel; and if he did so, all men would
be indebted to him for the quiet of Italy, the peace of the provinces,
and the preservation of the empire." These proposals Clodius made to him,
and for some days at the first appeared to have met with a favorable reception,
but afterward was not admitted to an audience; for Scipio being reprimanded
by Favonius, as we found afterward when the war was ended, and the negotiation
having miscarried, Clodius returned to Caesar.

Chapter 58

Caesar, that he might the more easily keep Pompey's horse inclosed
within Dyrrachium, and prevent them from foraging, fortified the two narrow
passes already mentioned with strong works, and erected forts at them.
Pompey perceiving that he derived no advantage from his cavalry, after
a few days had them conveyed back to his camp by sea. Fodder was so exceedingly
scarce that he was obliged to feed his horses upon leaves stripped off
the trees, or the tender roots of reeds pounded. For the corn which had
been sown within the lines was already consumed, and they would be obliged
to supply themselves with fodder from Corcyra and Acarnania, over a long
tract of sea; and as the quantity of that fell short, to increase it by
mixing barley with it, and by these methods support their cavalry. But
when not only the barley and fodder in these parts were consumed, and the
herbs cut away, when the leaves too were not to be found on the trees,
the horses being almost starved, Pompey thought he ought to make some attempt
by a sally.

Chapter 59

In the number of Caesar's cavalry were two Allobrogians, brothers,
named Roscillus and Aegus, the sons of Abducillus, who for several years
possessed the chief power in his own state; men of singular valor, whose
gallant services Caesar had found very useful in all his wars in Gaul.
To them, for these reasons, he had committed the offices of greatest honor
in their own country, and took care to have them chosen into the senate
at an unusual age, and had bestowed on them lands taken from the enemy,
and large pecuniary rewards, and from being needy had made them affluent.
Their valor had not only procured them Caesar's esteem, but they were beloved
by the whole army. But presuming on Caesar's friendship, and elated with
the arrogance natural to a foolish and barbarous people, they despised
their countrymen, defrauded their cavalry of their pay, and applied all
the plunder to their own use. Displeased at this conduct, their soldiers
went in a body to Caesar, and openly complained of their ill usage; and
to their other charges added, that false musters were given in to Caesar,
and the surcharged pay applied to their own use.

Chapter 60

Caesar, not thinking it a proper time to call them to account,
and willing to pardon many faults, on account of their valor, deferred
the whole matter, and gave them a private rebuke, for having made a traffic
of their troops, and advised them to expect every thing from his friendship,
and by his past favors to measure their future hopes. This however, gave
them great offense, and made them contemptible in the eyes of the whole
army. Of this they became sensible, as well from the reproaches of others,
as from the judgment of their own minds, and a consciousness of guilt.
Prompted then by shame, and perhaps imagining that they were not liberated
from trial, but reserved to a future day, they resolved to break off from
us, to put their fortune to a new hazard, and to make trial of new connections.
And having conferred with a few of their clients, to whom they could venture
to intrust so base an action, they first attempted to assassinate Caius
Volusenus, general of the horse (as was discovered at the end of the war),
that they might appear to have fled to Pompey after conferring an important
service on him. But when that appeared too difficult to put in execution,
and no opportunity offered to accomplish it, they borrowed all the money
they could, as if they designed to make satisfaction and restitution for
what they had defrauded: and having purchased a great number of horses,
they deserted to Pompey along with those whom they had engaged in their
plot.

Chapter 61

As they were persons nobly descended and of liberal education,
and had come with a great retinue, and several cattle, and were reckoned
men of courage, and had been in great esteem with Caesar, and as it was
a new and uncommon event, Pompey carried them round all his works, and
made an ostentatious show of them, for till that day, not a soldier, either
horse or foot had deserted from Caesar to Pompey, though there were desertions
almost every day from Pompey to Caesar: but more commonly among the soldiers
levied in Epirus and Aetolia, and in those countries, which were in Caesar's
possession. But the brothers, having been acquainted with all things, either
what was incomplete in our works, or what appeared to the best judges of
military matters to be deficient, the particular times, the distance of
places, and the various attention of the guards, according to the different
temper and character of the officer who commanded the different posts,
gave an exact account of all to Pompey.

Chapter 62

Upon receiving this intelligence, Pompey, who had already formed
the design of attempting a sally, as before mentioned, ordered the soldiers
to make ozier coverings for their helmets, and to provide fascines. These
things being prepared, he embarked on